OSINT (Open Source Intelligence)

OSINT (OPEN SOURCE INTELLIGENCE)

OSINT is a method of gathering information from publicly available sources such as social media platforms, open databases, internet forums, and specialized websites.

For years, it has been utilized by various intelligence services and agencies specializing in information gathering. Today, it is becoming increasingly useful during the planning phase of penetration tests.

Open Source Intelligence, often referred to as “white intelligence,” involves using only publicly accessible information. Therefore, it is an ethical practice and should not be confused with illegal espionage.

Stages of Open Source Intelligence

OSINT can be divided into four distinct stages:

• (OSD) Open Source Data — Compiling information from available sources.

• (OSIF) Open Source Information — Preliminary analysis and organization of all collected data.

• (OSINT) Open Source Intelligence — Processing data into a ready-to-use format that can be utilized or delivered to interested parties.

• (OSINT-V) Validated Open Source Intelligence — The final stage involves verifying the data and comparing it with information available from other sources.

Open-source intelligence has a wide spectrum of applications. Verifying contractors, checking a company’s credibility, or simply seeking information about a specific person or institution are all activities that fall under OSINT.

Even everyday actions, such as verifying unknown phone numbers, checking email senders, or simply searching for information about others, are elements within the scope of OSINT.

The sources we can draw from are not limited to the internet; a wealth of data can also be found in newspapers or on television.

How to protect your data?

We are usually the primary source of information about ourselves, so it is worth reconsidering what we post online. Using a VPN allows for relative anonymity online, which limits our digital footprint.

It is also worth considering limiting social media activity and removing metadata from the photos we publish.

Despite these efforts, we cannot entirely rule out that information about us will be present online and searchable. However, by using a few simple methods, we can at least limit the amount of data available.